Coat Colour E-locus – e3 (Husky pale yellow/white variant)

Coat colour in dogs is controlled by a wide range of different genes working together. These genes are often referred to as ‘loci’. The Extension, or E-Locus, corresponds to the gene ‘melanocortin 1 receptor’ (MC1R), which is involved in the regulation of pigment production. Mutations affecting the E-locus often result in a lightening of the coat, from black or brown to red, yellow or even white.
This E-locus variant, designated as e^3, is a recessive mutation observed in the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky. Related variants are known to occur in the Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and in the Australian Cattle Dog. Note that some Huskies may instead carry variant e^1, or a combination of e^1 and e^3. These combinations will also result in the white colour described here.